Now, I don’t say this often BUT I will go on record to say and I quote ‘SunStorm‘ is one of the best Soul albums to drop this year”…remember you can quote me on that.  I would like to assume that everyone knows all about  Zo!, but I know that’s not the case.  Zo! (nee’ Lorenzo Ferguson) is Detroit-area born, DC-area based producer/multi-instrumentalist — currently the keyboardist for Foreign Exchange, most known for his collaboration with Phonte (Little Brother, Foreign Exchange) “Zo and Tigallo Love the 80′s”.   Zo! released his first album ‘Ablyss‘ in 2001, and twelve ( yes..twelve) albums later we arrive to ‘SunStorm‘, an album which showcases the depth and range of Zo! as a producer/arranger and the entire Foreign Exchange Music crew.

Click here to view the embedded video.

SunStorm’s lead single, “This Could Be The Night” features Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother over booming groove, one that you could easily get you two-step on.  ndie soul sensation Sy Smith lends her vocals on the 70′s soul inspired “Greatest Weapon Of All Time,” and then add Lady Alma, a Philly native and powerhouse on the international house music scene, take it to the club on “Free Your Mind.”

Now, if you aren’t convinced by now (which you should be), On Sunday, Aug 15th –Zo!, Eric Roberson and the Foreign Exchange soundsystem are performing at U St Music Hall.  Peep the flyer below:

Silver Spring, Maryland based producer/musician Zo! just released his first single called “Greatest Weapon Of All Time” featuring the lovely vocals of Sy Smith. Although I’m fairly new to his music so far everything I’ve heard has been quite nice and I highly suggest checking him out. He has collabo’d with artists like Slum Village, The Foreign Exchange and Little Brother and is set to drop his latest solo project Sunstorm on July 27. I can’t help but feel a sense of pride with so much diverse music coming out of DC/MD/VA these days; it’s been a very nice look. Check the song out below.

Zo! Feat. Sy Smith – Greatest Weapon of All Time

Download: Zo! Just Visiting Too

Zo! – Perfect Angel Feat Yahzarah

If you were at any of The Foreign Exchange’s live shows, you would recognize Silver Spring Maryland’s ZO! manning the keys on their breakout performance. We all know that Zo has been on his grind for a while, working with such acts as Kev Brown and Phonte (with that 80s project.)

But now it’s Zo’s time to shine. His mixtape, Just Visiting Too is downright amazing and reads like a who’s who of upcoming talent. From the first track, “Perfect Angel” with another DMV native Yahzarah to the last, the D Brock collabo, The Highways of My Life. The other track that will constantly be on repeat. As a producer Zo has crafted light and low key melodies, filled with light touches of piano, and fortunately does not overpower the talent on the mic. It’s a fitting introduction to this future producer and we will most certainly be hearing more from him in the future. (via SoulCulture UK)